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Group to give out 1,000 more grants to soldiers this year

The Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund plans to award another 1,000 grants this year.

One of the recipients, Lance Cpl. Gabriel Morse of Coon Rapids, recently got $2,000, which he used to pay off debts.

"I was hurting real bad for money," said Morse. "And when I got the call from them, I was overwhelmed with joy because it was just perfect timing."

Morse was ambushed in Iraq more than a year ago, and had shrapnel wounds across his back. He says he'd like to return to combat, but is still dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"On a physical aspect, yes I'm recovered," Morse said. "But mentally, I still have a little bit more therapy to go through here. But I'm hoping by summertime I should be done with that, and be ready to go back and start doing my job once again."

The fund gives as much as $10,000 to injured soldiers, $5,000 for the families of those who have died in combat, and $500 for those who served without injury.